Fantasy Tip: Cousins has a feisty spirit and attitude, and it translates to the football field. The Arizona defense was just one step ahead of Cousins in this game. Cousins still rates as a QB1 down the stretch.

The Washington Redskins are expected to place the franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins if they are unable to agree to a long-term contract extension by the time free agency opens in March, according to a source familiar with the situation. Cousins is earning $19.95 million this season.

Fantasy Tip: The 28-year-old Cousins is having a remarkable season, with a 101.4 quarterback rating, 3,540 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and just seven interceptions through 11 games. He should be viewed as a low-end QB1 in the majority of fantasy leagues.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins is hitting his stride. He has tossed 10 touchdowns in his last four games and has topped 300 yards in four of his last five. He draws the Cardinals in Week 13 and should deliver as a low-end QB1.

Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins may receive the franchise tag again this offseason if the two sides are not able to reach a long-term agreement, according to sources. The Redskins are willing to pay Cousins $24 million for one season if it keeps him off the free-agent market.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins has played well this season and has thrown for at least 300 yards in three of his last four games with eight touchdowns during that span. He should be considered a low-end No. 1 quarterback in deeper fantasy leagues.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins needs more games like this if chatter about his status in D.C. is to quiet down. Cousins had a decent day with two-thirds of his passes complete, and more importantly he had no picks.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins has thrown for at least 260 yards in seven of his eight games this season and has at least one touchdown in each of his last seven games. Cousins could be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in deeper leagues.

Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins completed 30 of his 39 pass attempts for 301 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions. He also rushed three times for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins has managed three 300-yard games this season, and four outings with 296 or more yards and he has at least one touchdown pass in each of his past five games. Cousins has started to take better care of the ball and he has re-emerged as a decent low-end QB1 in fantasy leagues of 14 or more teams. The Redskins meet the Cincinnati Bengals in London in Week 8.

Fantasy Tip: Cousins didn't complete 16 of his 34 pass attempts, but he looked much better than Carson Wentz and guided the Redskins in the right direction. A couple of weeks ago some people wanted to turn on Cousins, but he has righted the ship for now. He remains a strong start.

Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins has thrown for 32 touchdown passes versus 12 interceptions with Jordan Reed (concussion) on the field over the last two seasons, good for a 102.3 passer rating. Without Reed on the field, Cousins has 14 TDs and 13 interceptions, contributing to a passer rating of 84.4.

Fantasy Tip: This comes up as a result of Reed likely not playing Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a concussion. DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon and Jamison Crowder are all expected to see more targets as a result of Reed's likely absence, but owners should be able to do better than Cousins at quarterback this week, especially if he is minus his top weapon.